Thursday, January 22, 2009

Strong Second Half Propels Women to a Win at Georgetown


WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Marquette women's basketball team overcame a 11-point half-time deficit to defeat Georgetown, 80-65, Wednesday evening at McDonough Arena. The Golden Eagles had a quartet of players in double figures, led by sophomore Angel Robinson with 19 points. With the win, the Golden Eagles improve to 12-8 overall, 3-2 in BIG EAST play.

Freshman Jessica Pachko poured in 16 points, while senior Erin Monfre contributed 12, and sophomore Tatiyiana McMorris added 13.

Marquette was feeling it from long range, especially in the second frame, as it connected on 6-of-7 attempts (85.7 percent) from beyond the arc. The Golden Eagles finished the game shooting a season-best 61.5 percent from 3-point land, aided by Monfre who who was a perfect 4-of-4 from three, all coming in the second half.

Jaleesa Butler led Georgetown with a game-high 27 points. For the game, the Hoyas shot 41.5 percent from the floor.

At half-time, the Hoyas held a 11-point advantage, 37-26. Jaleesa Butler paced GU with 15 points, while the team shot 48.3 percent from the floor (14-of-29).

The Golden Eagles staged its comeback early in the second half as Pachko sparked a 21-8 run that would help Marquette come within two points at 47-45 with 12:50 to play.

The Golden Eagles tied the game at the 11:22 mark in the second half thanks to a steal and quick lay-up from Tatiyiana McMorris. From there neither team held more than a three-point advantage until Marquette pulled away over the final six minutes.

The Golden Eagles took their largest lead of the game with 54 seconds to play following a lay-up by Pachko, and held the Hoyas to just four points over the final 5:21 of the game.

The Golden Eagles return to action Tuesday, Jan. 27 when they host Syracuse at the Al McGuire Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.